As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day today, women in the UAE and the Middle East are looking at the event as an occasion to celebrate.

Ohood Al Suwaidi, Communications Manager of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, said the International Women’s Day is an opportunity for women to highlight their achievements in all the different sectors, including the social, political, economical and their contribution in sustaining the UAE Community.

“Women are well known for being multi-taskers; they are mothers, employees and, in many cases, the decision maker of their home,” she said.

She lauded women for having done a lot to become competent in her social and career life.

“However, we should all document our achievements and promote ourselves better,” she added.

Nattira Anakasiri, from Thailand and a successful manager in Dubai’s hospitality industry said International Women’s Day is truly a day to celebrate women’s achievements.

“In the past 100 years, since the first International Women’s Day in 1911, the world has seen many significant changes in society.

“Today’s women enjoy greater equality than previous generations. We’re able to pursue our studies in whichever field we like and to the highest level of education.

“We’re allowed not only to work, but also to excel by the merit of our work and qualifications, as can be seen from the growing number of women in high-ranking leadership positions.

“We’re allowed not only to vote, but also to run for and hold public office, thus allowing women to play an important role in influencing and shaping society for the better.

“And while achieving all this, women the world over have still been able to maintain their nurturing role as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters. We’ve shown that characteristically feminine traits such as being empathetic, supportive and detail-oriented are not weaknesses but strengths. Moving forward, the possibilities and opportunities for women to break the ‘glass ceiling’ can only increase.”

Lebanese Danielle Aychouh, TNT Express International’s Marketing Manager for the Middle East rightfully says that women have done a lot so far, specially in this region.

“You can see the percentage of women working now and reaching high positions. I always refer to the below quote which really reflects the reality: ‘If you want something said, ask a Man; if you want something done, ask a Woman’. —Margaret Thatcher”

She said that women still face a lot of challenges regionally and globally such as sexual harassment and abuse, but at the same time they have been able to scale great heights.

Iranian Sharhzar Sadr, PR and Communications Manager of Media Rotana said it is surprising to see so many women from the region number doing extremely well for themselves in different organisations.

“Personally, as a Middle Eastern woman, I feel much more independent since I work. I am able to take care of my life without having to depend on the family/husband to take care of my financial needs.”